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As America moves toward becoming a cashless society, The Salvation Army is making it easier for donors to give back during the Christmas season by making a gift with Apple Pay or Google Pay at the iconic Red Kettles.

Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, said in today’s world fewer and fewer people are carrying cash.

“With Apple Pay and Google Pay, the Salvation Army is just keeping up with the times,” May said. “Hopefully, this will be beneficial to those who want to make a donation but don’t have cash. This is not an attempt to do away with our Red Kettles, because to many, the ringing bells are the sound of Christmas.”

But in keeping with the times, May said The Salvation Army has placed smart chips and QR codes on Red Kettle signs across the country, allowing shoppers to simply “bump” or scan their phones to make a digital donation.

Shoppers will be directed to a custom donation page that accepts Apple or Google payment options. The funds will then be distributed to local Salvation Army units based on the donor’s billing ZIP code, and an email receipt will be sent directly to their phone.

“Kettle Pay provides an opportunity for people to fight for the millions of Americans experiencing poverty by raising money for Salvation Army programs in their communities,” May said. “The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, and Christmas assistance for families in need.”

There is always a need for bell ringers for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.

“And, the need is just as great this year,” May said. “The Red Kettle campaign official begins each year on Black Friday and continues through Christmas Eve. We ring every day except Sunday at several locations in Troy. The Brundidge Rotary Club rings in Brundidge. So many people tell me what a blessing they receive from ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Those who would like to be a bell ringer are asked to call 808-1069. It’s truly a blessing to help others in need.”

Now in its 129th year, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is one of the oldest and largest charitable campaigns in the world. Every year, the campaign raises millions of dollars to provide toys for kids at Christmas, clothes and shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, after-school programs for kids, and other services to America’s most vulnerable populations year-round.